Netherlands vs France

Johan Cruijff Arena forms the backdrop for a mouth-watering UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier between the Netherlands and France.

Following a gut-wrenching fourth-placed finish in July’s UEFA Nations League finals, the Netherlands are seemingly back on track, with back-to-back Euro 2024 qualifying wins over Greece and Ireland putting them on the brink of a third consecutive qualification for major tournaments. Since the opening-day loss in Paris, Ronald Koeman’s men have racked up a three-game winning streak in Group B, seizing a coveted runner-up spot before this round. However, there’s no room for complacency as they sit level on points with third-placed Greece. With a game in hand, they’re masters of their fate, but an underwhelming three-game winless run in home Euro qualifiers against nations currently ranked in FIFA’s top 50 (D1, L2) doesn’t inspire much confidence. On a more positive note, they boast an impressive all-time H2H record against France on home soil (W8, D2, L3).

In the meantime, visiting France can become the first side to join host nation Germany in next summer’s tournament with a win here. Didier Deschamps’ men have reigned supreme in the ongoing qualifying campaign, winning all five games in Group B by an aggregate score of 11-0, including a 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands in the reverse fixture on matchday one. But replicating that feat could be easier said than done, considering ‘Les Bleus’ are winless in their last six away Euro qualifiers against nations currently ranked in FIFA’s top-50 (D4, L2). It’s also worth noting they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Germany in a friendly last time out. That said, the beating 2022 World Cup finalists have racked up a five-match winning streak in Euro qualifiers without conceding a single goal.